Robert M. Groves

All faculty in a modern research university are jugglers. They actively pursue their scholarly passions; they instruct in formal classes; they mentor students outside of class; they participate in professional associations nationally and internationally; they serve on unit and university faculty committees as part of the shared governance of their universities.

This week, Georgetown hosted a national meeting of provosts and student affairs leaders from colleges and universities throughout the country. The meeting discussed how the institutions can do better in supporting the well-being of our students. It was the second in a series, prompted by the evidence of steadily increasing stress, anxiety, and depression among students; the sharp jumps in requests for mental health services; and feelings of alienation among large sets of students.

Each year, deans, departments, and similar units nominate deserving colleagues as Provost Distinguished Associate Professors. A faculty committee of university professors, endowed chair holders (chaired by Reena Aggarwal, Vice Provost for Faculty) reviewed the applicants. This year, competition was particularly intense, with many more nominations than previous years. Georgetown uses the designation to honor Associate Professors who are performing at extraordinary high levels.